Meaning & usage
なり expresses that one action follows immediately after another is completed, with a nuance of surprise or suddenness. It attaches directly to the dictionary form of a verb, as in 見るなり or 着くなり. It is a formal, written style expression, and the following clause usually describes a completed past event rather than a request, command, or intention.
Example sentences 8
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家に帰るなり、ベッドに倒れた。
As soon as I got home, I collapsed onto the bed.
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写真を見るなり、昔を思い出した。
The moment I saw the photo, I remembered the old days.
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先生を見るなり、学生は黙った。
As soon as they saw the teacher, the students fell silent.
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電話を切るなり、彼は出かけた。
The moment he hung up the phone, he went out.
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席に着くなり、注文をした。
As soon as I sat down, I placed my order.
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ベルが鳴るなり、生徒が出ていった。
The moment the bell rang, the students went out.
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私を見るなり、彼女は泣き出した。
The moment she saw me, she burst into tears.
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ニュースを聞くなり、母に電話した。
As soon as I heard the news, I called my mother.
